Female Band Serenading Cows

The Ingenues, an all-girl band and vaudeville act, serenading the cows in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Dairy Barn in a scientific test of whether the cows would give more milk to the soothing strains of music. The tallest woman, second from left, is Dorothy Donohoe. Standing behind her is her sister Juel Donohoe, who is mostly obscured by the trombone player.

Article published in Capital Times Aug. 6, 1930 and photograph and article published in Capital Times Aug. 8, 1930. This image is one of almost 14,000 images created by Angus B. McVicar. Subject matter contains views of Madison, local businesses, movie theaters, gas stations, automobile accidents, and local events. The original caption indicates that "the cows were too surprised at the unusual treat to react in the way expected." Per an article in the Rhinelander Daily News of August 11, 1930, one of the performers is Lucille Westgate of Rhinelander.

This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Division of Library-Archives. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.

Reference Details

Location:

Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

How to View in Person

To view this image, visit the Archives Research Room on the 4th floor at the Society Headquarters building in Madison, WI. Print out this index page and present it to the librarian. Use the links below to plan your visit to the Society's Archives.